Motatapu
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Motatapu Mountain Bike & Trail Runs
Motatapu is an annual mountain bike and trail running event held in the Queenstown Lakes area between Wanaka and Arrowtown. The 2027 edition is scheduled for Saturday 6 March 2027 and comprises multiple off road events across protected high country stations.
Event distances and figures include:
- Emerson's Mountain Bike, 47 km, 1150 m, 880 m
- Trail Marathon, 42 km, 1050 m, 880 m
- UDC Finance Miners Trail Run, 15 km, 837 m, 1052 m
- Rab Ultra Run, 52 km, 3,000 m, 1,270 m
- Jennian Homes Junior Trail Run, 4 km, 59 m, 415 m
- Emerson's E-Mountain Bike (event listed)
Races take place across privately owned and protected stations including Motatapu, Mt Soho, Glencoe and Glendhu Bay Station. The organisers donate from every entry to local trail networks and collect additional donations at registration, with the Queenstown Trails Trust named as a major partner.
Mahu Whenua work in the area includes the planting of over one million native trees, flaxes, shrubs and grasses and a seedling programme. More than 90% of the land was placed under protective covenants in 2015 through the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust. Glendhu Bay Station directs 80% of fees from sporting events on the station to its planting project and aims to become carbon positive.
Athlete information notes mandatory gear requirements. Organisers run random gear checks at the start line and perform mandatory gear checks for Ultra runners at athlete check in; no mandatory gear means no start. The event publishes entry fees, policies, race rules, transport and supporter information. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
